JP3667293B2 - Scanner device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a scanner device and a control method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A multi-function system refers to a system that can realize the following functions. That is, (1) FAX function, (2) Print function, (3) Copy function, and (4) Scanner function.
[0003]
Conventionally, the system shown in FIG. 19 or 20 has been realized as a system for realizing such a function. In the system shown in FIG. 19, the host computer is the central system, and in FIG. 20, the printer is the central system.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the system shown in FIG. 19 has the following problems. That is,
(1) When copying, that is, when the data read by the scanner is printed by the printer, processing is always performed through the host computer. Therefore, even if the host computer is not used, the host computer must be turned on. did not become.
(2) Generally, a host computer has one parallel port and one serial port. When the parallel port is used for printer connection, the remaining serial ports are too slow to use for the scanner. For this reason, it was necessary to prepare an expansion board with a new port on the host computer side for scanner connection.
[0005]
Further, the system of FIG. 20 has the following problems. That is,
(1) Conventionally, since the printer and the host computer are connected by a parallel I / F that can be sent in only one direction from the host computer, the data read by the scanner cannot be sent to the host computer.
(2) A port for connecting the scanner to the printer side is required, but inexpensive printers have only a parallel port for connecting to the host computer, and some printers that can realize this system are expensive. It was limited to printers. Therefore, an inexpensive system could not be constructed.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to realize a copy function without using a host computer when a multi-function system is configured with a printer, a scanner, and a host computer. It is to provide a method of controlling the apparatus.
[0007]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a scanner device and a control method thereof that can configure a multi-function system using a normal host computer and printer, and can configure the multi-function system at a very low cost.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a scanner device of the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A scanner device that reads a document image and obtains image data,
First communication means for communicating with the printing apparatus;
First output means for converting the image data into print data expressed in a page description language interpretable by the printing apparatus, and outputting the print data to the printing apparatus via the first communication means.
[0009]
Also, a method for controlling the scanner device according to the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows:
A control method of a scanner device having a first communication means for communicating with a printing device and reading a document image to obtain image data,
A first output step of converting the image data into print data expressed in a page description language interpretable by the printing apparatus and outputting the print data to the printing apparatus via the first communication unit;
[0010]
【Example】
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0011]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a multifunction system according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, 101 is a host computer, 102 is a scanner, and 103 is a printer. Here, the host computer 101 and the scanner 102, and the printer 103 and the scanner 102 are connected through parallel ports 104 and 105 capable of bidirectional communication, respectively. Further, the scanner 102 has a modem 210 and can communicate data via the telephone line 106.
[0012]
FIG. 2 is an external view of the scanner 102. In FIG. 2, an operation panel 205 includes a display unit 302 that performs various displays and a switch unit 303 that performs various operation inputs. Reference numeral 301 denotes a document table on which a document to be read is placed. Reference numerals 304 and 305 denote external I / F connectors, and reference numeral 306 denotes a telephone line connector.
[0013]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the scanner 102 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 201 denotes an image reading unit which optically scans and reads a document placed on a document table 301 to obtain image data. 202 is a main control unit, and 203 is a ROM that stores an operation program of the main control unit 202. The main control unit 203 implements various controls in the scanner by executing an operation program stored in the ROM 203.
[0014]
An operation panel I / F 204 connects the operation panel 205 and the system bus. Reference numeral 206 denotes a RAM which provides a work area for the main control unit 202 and a buffer area for temporarily storing data input from the outside. Reference numeral 207 denotes an additional memory I / F, and 208 denotes an additional memory. Image data can be stored in the expansion memory 208, read out at any time, printed, and the like (details will be described later). Reference numeral 209 denotes a modem I / F, and reference numeral 210 denotes a modem which performs data communication with the outside via the telephone line 106. Reference numerals 104 and 105 denote external I / Fs that transmit and receive data to and from the host computer 101 and the printer 103.
[0015]
The operation of the scanner 102 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration and the multifunction system configured as shown in FIG.
[0016]
4, 5, 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the control procedure of the scanner of this embodiment. A control program for realizing the control shown in these flowcharts is stored in the ROM 203 and executed by the main control unit 202.
[0017]
The scanner 102 according to this embodiment can perform data communication with the host computer 101, data communication via the modem 210, and data communication from the printer 103. In steps S1, S2, and S3, the presence / absence of data reception from the host computer 101, the presence / absence of operation input from the operation panel 205, and the presence / absence of data input from the modem 210 are checked. If there is data input from the host computer, the process proceeds to step S4, and the received data is analyzed. Then, it is determined which process in steps S5 to S15 is instructed, and the process according to the instruction is executed. If there is an operation input from the operation panel 205, the process proceeds from step S2 to step S9, it is determined which process of steps S9 to S15 is instructed, and the process according to the instruction is executed.
[0018]
When data is input from the modem, the process proceeds from step S3 to step S20, the currently set mode is determined, and processing according to the mode is performed. The operation mode of the modem may be a mode in which data received by the modem is output to the printer 103 by an instruction input from the host computer 101 or an operation input from the operation panel 205 (step S15 → step S16), or a modem. The mode is set to one of the modes for transmitting the received data to the host computer 101 (step S15 → step S17).
[0019]
Each process will be described below.
[0020]
(1) A function for discriminating data sent from the host computer to the printer and sending it to the printer
When data is sent from the host computer 101 to the printer 103, the host computer 101 configures data to be sent to the printer 103 according to a language supported by the printer, for example, a language system called PCL5 supported by LaserJet 3 (trademark) of HP. Before and after the data, a code indicating that the data is destined for the printer is added to the beginning and the end as shown in FIG. Data addressed to the printer 103 is output from the host computer 101 with this configuration and sent to the scanner 102. The scanner 102 inputs the data through the external I / F 104 and recognizes that the header code 401 indicating the data addressed to the printer 103 is at the head of the data, thereby determining that the data is for the printer 103 ( Steps S1, S4, S5). Therefore, the process proceeds from step S5 to step S101.
[0021]
In step S101, the data input from the data following the code 401 through the external I / F 104 until the input of the end code 403 is recognized (step S102), the received data is directly sent to the printer via the external I / F 105. 103. As a result, the data output to be sent from the host computer 101 to the printer 103 is sent to the printer 103 as it is, and printing is performed.
[0022]
(2) Function to print the data read from the scanner
Printing the data read from the scanner itself has already been realized in a copying machine. This embodiment is different from a printer designed on the assumption that the printer 103 prints data based on the printer language PCL5 sent from the host computer 101 such as the LaserJet 3 of the above-mentioned HP company. The data read from the scanner is sent without printing through the host computer and printed.
[0023]
In the present embodiment, this is referred to as “copy mode”. However, an instruction to start this copy mode may be sent by a command from the host computer 101 through the external I / F 104 or a switch from the operation panel 205. (Steps S1, S2, and S9). When the copy mode is instructed, the main control unit 202 activates the image reading unit 201 to scan and read the document on the document table 301 and convert it into binary digital bitmap data (step S201). The main control unit 202 stores the bitmap data obtained in step S201 in the RAM 206 (step S202).
[0024]
Next, at the beginning and end of the read bitmap data, the main control unit 202, as shown in FIG. 9, the code of PCL5, that is, the code 404 indicating that the following data is binary data, and the data A code 406 indicating the end is read out (step S203), and sent to the printer 103 through the external I / F 105 (step S204). The printer 103 interprets this and prints the bitmap data 405 read by the scanner 102 as a bit image.
[0025]
Here, if the connected printer is a printer that supports the language PCL5e that supports data compression, such as LaserJet 4 (trademark) of HP, the bitmap data 405 to be sent to the printer 103 is supported by the PCL5e. Needless to say, it can be sent in a compressed format. Needless to say, all the compression formats supported by this language can be compressed only by software without using special hardware. When transferring the compressed data to the printer, a code indicating that the data is compressed data is added.
[0026]
(3) Function to send data read from the scanner to the host computer
In FIG. 1 of the present embodiment, a parallel port defined in IEEE 1284, which is used as a standard when the host computer 101 side input / output port sends data to a printer, is assumed. Of course, the external I / F 104 and the external I / F 105 of the scanner 102 are also parallel ports conforming to IEEE1284, and the printer port is also a parallel port conforming to IEEE1284. This parallel port conforming to IEEE 1284 is capable of two-way communication, and this parallel port conforming to IEEE 1284 is just like a conventional scanner sending data to a host computer via a SCSI interface or RS-422 interface. The data read by the scanner 102 can be sent to the host computer 101 via.
[0027]
The instruction to output the data read by the scanner 102 to the host computer 101 may be sent as a command from the host computer 101 through the external I / F 104, or may be instructed by a switch from the operation panel 205 (steps SS1, S2). , S10). When this instruction is received, the process proceeds from step S10 to step S301, and the scanner 102 reads the original image. In step S302, the read data is transmitted to the host computer 101. Since the method of realizing this transmission process is the same as the relationship between a general scanner and a host computer, description thereof is omitted here.
[0028]
(4) Printing data input through the modem 210
When data is received from the modem, processing is performed according to the set mode (steps S3 and S20). If the set mode is modem → printer, the process proceeds to step S401.
[0029]
Similarly to the case of printing the data read from the scanner, the printer language may be added to the beginning and end of the input data as shown in FIG. 9 and sent to the printer. However, data input through a modem generally has a dot density of 200 dots per inch. If the connected printer has a print dot density of 300 dots per inch, a well-known 200 dot per inch is used in the scanner 102. Resolution conversion from inch to 300 dot per inch is performed (step S402), and PCL codes 404 and 406 are added as shown in FIG. 9 (step S403) and sent to the printer 103 (step S404).
[0030]
(5) Send the data input through the modem 210 to the host computer.
This is basically the same as when the data read by the scanner 102 is sent to the host computer 101, but includes the information such as the telephone number and name of the other party sent along with the data. Send to computer 101.
[0031]
That is, the data received via the modem in step S501 is stored in the RAM 206 (step S501), information such as a telephone number is added to the data (step S502), and transmitted to the host computer 101 (step S503).
[0032]
(6) Data sent from the host computer is output to the outside through the modem 210.
As a result of analyzing the data from the host computer, if it is determined that an instruction to transmit to the telephone line via the modem is given (steps S1, S4, S6), the process proceeds to step S601.
[0033]
Data 409 is sent from the host computer 101 together with a code 407 for instructing output to the outside through a modem and telephone number information 408 as shown in FIG. In response to this, the scanner 102 extracts a telephone number (step S601), connects the line with the modem 210 using the telephone number (step S602), and transmits data 409 from the host computer 101 to the outside via the modem 210. To do.
[0034]
(7) Output the data read by the scanner to the outside through a modem
The data read from the scanner 102 is transmitted to the line via the modem 210 by an instruction from the host computer 101 or an instruction input from the operation panel 205 (steps S1, S2, S11, S701). . Below, the case where it is performed by the instruction input from the host computer 101 will be described.
[0035]
From the host computer 101, as shown in FIG. 11, a code 501 for instructing to read data from the scanner, a code 502 for instructing to output the read data to the outside through a modem, telephone number information 503 of the other party, command end A code 504 is sent to the scanner 102.
[0036]
The scanner 102 interprets the command, obtains the telephone number of the other party, and stores it (step S701). Next, the image reading unit 201 is activated to scan and read the document on the document table 301 (step S702), and after the read data is converted into a binary digital bitmap, it is temporarily stored in the RAM 206 (step S703). ). Next, the resolution is converted from 300 dpi to 200 dpi in accordance with the resolution of the facsimile (the resolution of the image reading unit is 300 dpi) and stored in the RAM 206 (step S704). The modem 210 is connected to the line by the telephone number acquired in step S701, and the data stored in the RAM 206 is transmitted. That is, the bitmap data whose resolution is converted to 200 dpi is sent to the modem 210 through the I / F 209, and the data is sent to the other party specified by the other party's telephone number information 503 through the telephone line 106.
[0037]
(8) Store the data sent from the host computer and manage it with the ID number sent from the host computer at the same time
When the host computer 101 inputs an instruction to store the data with the specified ID number, the process proceeds to step S801 (steps S1, S4, S7).
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 12, when the command 505 instructs to manage the data 507 with the ID code 506, the main control unit 202 obtains an ID number from the ID code 506 (step S801). Then, the data 507 is stored in the RAM 206 or the expansion memory 208 (step S802), and a management table as shown in FIG. 13 is created and managed in the RAM 206 (step S803).
[0039]
In FIG. 13, 601 is the ID number, 602 is the resolution of the data indicated by the ID number, 603 is the top address of the memory where the data is stored, and 604 is the end address. For example, the resolution of the data indicated by the ID code S001 is 200 dpi, the start address is 200000 (hexadecimal data), and the end address is 20FFFF. When managed in this way, printing and the like can be performed by specifying only the ID number without sending data from the host computer 101 one by one.
[0040]
(9) Printing of stored data managed by the management table by a printer
When an instruction to print data stored in the RAM 206 or the expansion memory 208 by the printer 103 is input from the host computer 101 or the operation panel 205, the process proceeds to step S901 (steps S1, S2, and S12). Hereinafter, a case where an instruction is input from the host computer 101 will be described.
[0041]
For example, the main control unit 202 of the scanner 102 refers to the ID management table of FIG. 13 by using the code 401 and the ID code 508 indicating the data addressed to the printer as shown in FIG. Is read (step S901). If the resolution of the read data does not match the resolution of the printer 103, resolution conversion is performed to match the resolution of the printer (step S903). The data thus obtained is sent to the printer 103 in a command and data format as shown in FIG. 14B (steps S904 and S905). In this way, printout of stored data by the printer 103 can be realized more easily. If there is no data of the corresponding ID number, the process proceeds from step S902 to step S906, and the host computer 101 is notified accordingly. In step S206, an error may be further displayed on the display unit on the operation panel 205.
[0042]
(10) Store the data read by the scanner, manage it with an ID number at the same time, and report the ID number to the host computer
When an instruction to store the data read by the image reading unit 201 in the RAM 206 or the expansion memory 208 is input from the host computer 101 or the operation panel, the process proceeds to step S1001. Hereinafter, a case where an instruction is input from the host computer 101 will be described.
[0043]
When the command shown in FIG. 15 is sent from the host computer 101 to the scanner 102, the scanner 102 activates the image reading unit 201 to read data on the document table 303 (step S1001) and stores it in the RAM 106 or the additional memory 208 (step S1002). ). Next, the main control unit 202 refers to the management table, generates a new ID number (step S1003), registers it in the ID management table of FIG. 6 (step S1004), and stores the ID number in the host computer 101. (Step S1005).
[0044]
(11) The data sent from the host computer and the data stored in the scanner with the ID number added are combined, sent to the printer 103, and printed out.
This process is executed in accordance with an instruction from the host computer 101 or the operation panel 205, but a case where it is executed in accordance with an instruction from the host computer 101 will be described below.
[0045]
From the host computer 101, the command and data shown in FIG. That is, a code 702 for instructing to combine data to be transmitted with data stored in a scanner, an ID code 703 for data stored in a destination scanner to be combined, a type of combination, for example, OR combination or AND A code 704 for instructing whether to combine or XOR, data 705 to be combined with data stored in the scanner, a code 706 for instructing sending the combined data to the printer, and a command end code 504 are included.
[0046]
When the command and data as described above are input, the process proceeds to step S1101 (steps S1, S4, S8).
[0047]
In step S1101, the scanner 102 first loads the data 705 to be combined into the RAM 206 (step S1101). Next, the data of the ID code designated by the code 703 is read with reference to the management table of FIG. 6 (step S1102), and sequentially synthesized according to the instruction of the code 704 indicating the type of synthesis (step S1103). The result is also stored in the RAM 206 (step S1104).
[0048]
FIG. 17 shows an example of data synthesis. Now, assume that the data in FIG. 17A is stored in the scanner 102. Here, when the data of FIG. 17B is sent from the host computer 101 and at the same time an OR composition instruction is received, the result of the OR composition is generated in the RAM 206, and FIG. That is why.
[0049]
The synthesized data is sent to the printer with a code as shown in FIG. 16B according to the language supported by the printer at the beginning and end, and printing is realized (steps S1105 and S1106).
[0050]
In the operation of (11) of the above embodiment, when the data sent from the host computer and the data stored with the ID number and stored in the scanner are combined and printed out, sent from the host computer. If the incoming data is not bitmap data, that is, for example, data written in a PCL5 language code supported by the printer, the main control unit 202 interprets the data written in PCL5 in step S1103. Then, after converting to bitmap data, the composition work is performed.
[0051]
When data is combined, if the resolutions of data stored in advance in the scanner 102 do not match, the combining process is performed after resolution conversion.
[0052]
(12) The data read by the scanner and the data stored in advance in the scanner are combined, sent to the printer, and printed out.
This process is executed in accordance with an instruction from the host computer 101 or the operation panel 205, but the case where it is executed in accordance with an instruction from the host computer 101 will be described below.
[0053]
The command shown in FIG. 18 is sent from the host computer 101 to the scanner 102. The scanner 102 reads data on the document table 303 (step S1201) and stores it in the RAM 206 (step S202). Then, printout is executed by combining with the data of the designated ID number, and this part is the same as (11) above. That is, the processes in steps S1203 to S1207 are the same as the processes in steps S1102 to S1106.
[0054]
In addition to the above operation, although not shown in the flowchart, the scanner 102 of this embodiment performs the following operation.
[0055]
(13) Report the printer status and scanner status together to the host computer
The scanner 102 has a function of managing the status of the printer 103 through the bidirectional signal line and reporting the status of the scanner 102 itself to the host computer 101 together.
[0056]
For example, when the printer 103 is out of paper, the status is sent from the printer 103 to the scanner 102. When the scanner 102 receives the status, it reports the status to the host computer 101. The status format is returned to the host computer 101 based on the format of the PJL if the printer is a printer that supports PJL (Printer Job Lang Edge) of HP, for example. . A status from the scanner 102, for example, a status such as a reading unit failure is also reported to the host computer 101.
[0057]
(14) When data destined for the printer 103 is sent from the host computer 101, the printer 103 is activated.
Some printers are in a sleep mode, i.e., a part of the internal power supply is cut off to enter a power saving state if data is not sent from the host computer for a certain period of time.
[0058]
For such a printer, when the data sent from the host computer 101 is destined for the printer, the scanner 102 cancels the sleep state of the printer by sending the data to the printer. Even if the data from the host computer 101 is not directly addressed to the printer, an instruction including the use of the printer 103 such as reading from the scanner 102 and printing the data is input as in (2) above. When the command is sent from the host computer 101, the activation data (invalid data supported by the printer) is sent to the printer 103 immediately after the command is sent from the host computer 101 to cancel the printer sleep state. By doing so, the time required for printout can be shortened.
[0059]
The scanner 102 changes the format of data to be sent to the printer 103 depending on what language the printer 103 supports. As a method for the scanner 102 to recognize the language supported by the printer 103, it may be instructed from the host computer 101, reported from the printer 103, or manually input from the operation panel 205 on the scanner 102. Also good.
[0060]
In the above embodiment, each process is started by input from the host computer, operation input from the operation panel, or reception of data from the modem, but it is possible to instruct the start of each process from the printer. Anyway.
[0061]
Further, when the parallel port on the host computer side supports only one-way communication, data transfer from the scanner 102 to the host computer 101 cannot be performed, but other functions can be realized. Whether the parallel port on the host computer side supports bi-directional or uni-directional can be easily recognized by using a system defined by IEEE 1284. When the scanner 102 recognizes that the parallel port on the host computer side supports only one direction, the scanner 102 does not perform the data transfer function from the scanner to the host computer, but performs only other functions.
[0062]
As described above, according to the multifunction system of the present embodiment, the scanner 102 is provided with at least two parallel I / F ports capable of bidirectional communication, and each is connected as shown in FIG. The port on the host computer side in FIG. 1 is a parallel port originally prepared for printer connection, and the port on the printer side is also a port originally connected to the host computer. Therefore, the configuration of FIG. 1 is a form in which the scanner is inserted in the middle of the signal line connecting the host computer and the printer. With this configuration, (1) it is not necessary to add an expansion board for adding a scanner connection port to the host computer. (2) Data can be read from the scanner even when the host computer is off. The copy function for printing out to the printer can be realized. (3) The parallel I / F connecting the scanner and the host computer is a bidirectional parallel I / F defined by IEEE 1284. Data transfer is possible. (4) The printer 103 can obtain an effect that it is possible to use general inexpensive printers that are available in large quantities on the market.
[0063]
Furthermore, (1) by registering the data read by the scanner with an ID number, it is possible to perform processing such as printing with information stored in the memory in the scanner without having to process it on the host computer side. . (2) By causing the scanner to manage the status of the printer, a new function is realized such that the status of the printer can be monitored from the host computer.
[0064]
The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a control method for a scanner device capable of realizing a copy function without using a host computer in a multi-function system comprising a printer, a scanner, and a host computer. The
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a multifunction system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an external view of a scanner 102. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a scanner according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data received by a scanner from a host computer.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data output from a scanner to a printer.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data received by a scanner from a host computer.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data received by a scanner from a host computer.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data received by a scanner from a host computer.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a management table.
14A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data received by a scanner from a host computer, and FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data transmitted from the scanner to a printer.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data received by a scanner from a host computer.
16A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data received by a scanner from a host computer, and FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data transmitted from the scanner to a printer.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of data synthesis.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data received by a scanner from a host computer.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a conventional multi-function system.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a conventional multi-function system.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Host computer
102 Scanner
103 Printer
201 Image reading unit
202 Main control unit
206 RAM

Claims (8)

A scanner device that reads a document image and obtains image data,
First communication means for communicating with the printing apparatus;
And a first output unit configured to convert the image data into print data expressed in a page description language interpretable by the printing apparatus, and to output the print data to the printing apparatus via the first communication unit. Scanner device. A compression means for compressing the image data;
The first output means converts the image data compressed by the compression means into print data expressed in a page description language, and outputs the print data to the printing apparatus via the first communication means. The scanner device according to 1. A second communication means for communicating with the host computer;
The scanner apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second output unit that outputs image data to a host computer via the second communication unit. Input means for inputting an image data output instruction;
And a determination unit configured to determine whether to output image data using the first output unit or the second output unit based on an output instruction input from the input unit. The scanner device according to 3. A control method of a scanner device having a first communication means for communicating with a printing device and reading a document image to obtain image data,
A scanner comprising: a first output step of converting the image data into print data expressed in a page description language interpretable by the printing apparatus and outputting the print data to the printing apparatus via the first communication unit. Control method of the device. A compression step of compressing the image data;
The first output step converts the image data compressed in the compression step into print data expressed in a page description language, and outputs the print data to the printing apparatus via the first communication means. 6. A method for controlling a scanner device according to 5. The scanner device further includes second communication means for communicating with a host computer,
The method of controlling a scanner device according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a second output step of outputting image data to a host computer via the second communication means. The scanner device further includes an input unit for inputting an image data output instruction,
An input step of inputting an output instruction from the input means;
The scanner according to claim 7, further comprising a determination step of determining which of the first output step and the second output step is used to output image data based on the input output instruction. Control method of the device.

Images